MaddSkillz

Hi all, my wife and I are going to get into road biking. She's picked out her first bike which is going to be the Specialized Sequoia. I can spend a couple more hundred dollars and have read great reviews with regards to the Trek 1500. The problem is, the bike shop that was extremely helpful to us does not deal Trek bikes. They deal Specialized, Fuji and Bianchi.

So, my question to all of you, do these manufacturers make $950 dollar bike that's comparable to the Trek 1500? I would really like to get both at the same shop. Those guys were really helpful. Right now, the Specialized site is not working for me. So I can't see what else they offer.

Being that I'm 6'1" it seems that I'll be getting a 56cm frame. I don't know if you would need to know that or not.

Thanks a ton!!!

MaddSkillz

Wow, just found the Fuji site online... The Newest 1.0 may be something I should check out.

austinspinner

Remember when buying a bike to include shorts, jersey, pedals, pump, shoes, extra tubes, CO2 and helmet in your allowable budget.

Specialized , bianchi and fuji all make great beginner bikes which all get good reviews. Most beginner bikes get rave reviews because they are far superior to anything that anyone has ever ridden and road biking is just that awesome.

MrCjolsen

Take a look at the Fuji Touring or the Bianchi Volpe. Unless you plan on racing, touring bikes are far more comfortable than road bikes like the Trek 1500 which is sort of an entry level racing bike. If I remember right, it has a mix of Shimano 105 and Ultegra components.

Also check out Bianchi's "coast to coast" line.

Basically you want the bike that fits you the best. Touring bikes are designed for riders who are on them all day

unbelievably

What's you inseam? 56cm seems a tad small,IMO.

inesshell

use to have a fuji team. decent bikes for the price. i believe performance bicycle is running a special on a fuji roubaix 06 for 749. i can't say ive dealt with Specialized or Bianchi. hope this helps

Turkey Feathers

+1 on /\/\/\ unless your proportions are unlike most, at 6' 1" you might want a bike in the 58cm size...I'm 6' 3" , I ride a 60cm...with that said, test ride some bikes bigger and smaller and see what fits better.

rollin

Plenty of bikes in that range, check out the $750 thread above. This will give you ample budjet for extras

That doesn't sound right to me either - I'm 5'8" and ride a 54

Chucklehead

if you have a performance store near you, i'd definitely recommend going and checking out their fuji prices. a lot of bang for the buck.

MaddSkillz

You guys are probably right. Maybe I was thinking 56 but was told 58.

Thanks for all the input!

MaddSkillz

inesshell, I can't find any Fuji products on performance bike's website... ?

MaddSkillz

Bump for more opinions.

eippo1

I'd check out the Fuji's. You won't really know until you buy. I love my Fuji for the superfast tooth-shattering ride it gives me, but I know that their touring and entry-lvl racers rock too.
Btw, you might be a 56 b/c I am and am 6'-1". I have short legs and a very long torso. So I find sloping 56 cm tubes fit me very well.

MaddSkillz

Awesome, thanks for the info.

Adgooroo

First, on the frame size - I'm just over 6 ft, and am on a 58 cm road bike and 59 cm fixed gear/track bike.

Second, on the bike brand - ALL of the major brands (Specialized, Fuji, Giant, and others) are fighting for the same business in the $800-$1000 bike segment, and all have crammed a lot of value into their offerings. The way cyclists (like us) pick things apart, there's no chance they would survive if they offered something that was noticeably poorer in quality/componentry than their competitors. (That's good ole' capitalism at work, you know...) There is another pressure on them, too - from the bike retailers. They compete against other shops in town or nearby, and if their supplier (Trek, Specialized, Fuji, Giant, etc.) couldn't get them a hot, competitive product in this price range, they'd ditch the line and start selling something else. So set a budget and try everything in that price range until you have a preference in fit/comfort/style/whatever. You MAY find end-of-model year deals, etc. that would make a difference - but don't worry too much about getting cheated in this price range.

By the way, if you're new to cycling, you should probably consider how you feel about the bike shop you deal with. You'll be back in there for other purchases and adjustments. If you feel better about the people or service at one shop, add that factor to your evaluation.

MaddSkillz

Definitely taking the bike shop into account. The guys I mentioned in my first post are really top notch and very helpful. I really want to do my business there... They're closed today so I'll be calling them tomorrow to figure a few things out.

Super Guanche

A friend of mine just got a Bianchi Via Nirone as his first road bike and he's very pleased with it.

MaddSkillz

Great, now I want one of those! LOL Well, it appears there will be no problem with me finding a bike that I'll really enjoy at this bike shop. =)

superted

I'm 6"1 and ride a 56cm bianchi which fits perfect

inesshell

its not on their site. they send out a catalog nationwide. sign up for a catalog or mailing list and they will send you one. i believe the sale ends march 23

unbelievably

Too subjective. However, I'm sure you've got something worked out.

MaddSkillz

Awesome! Thanks!

msheron

I like Fuji bikes and that may be a start but have you tried other bike shops that deal in Trek?

Frugle

sizes are very very subjective... I'm 6'3" and was fitted to a fuji 61cm bike.